The New Saints head in to Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against HNK Rijeka in Croatia with the odds of victory stacked against them.
The Saints have travelled to the Adriatic coast knowing that they will not only face a difficult challenge technically against the Croatian league champions but the Welsh Premier side can also expect a gruelling test of endurance, with a temperature of 28 degrees expected at kick-off time.
HNK are expected to be considerably stronger than the last week’s opponents FC Europa of Gibraltar, who the Saints needed extra-time to beat despite having a two-man advantage for most of the second half.
Tomorrow’s first leg will present a different challenge altogether for Scott Ruscoe’s team who will be looking to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg with an away goal being the ideal scenario.
The interim boss says his team are well prepped for the size of the challenge that faces them.
“Obviously I’m excited and looking forward to the challenge tomorrow, ” he said.
“I’ve seen several games and footage of how strong they are and how positive they are – they’re a good side.
“We’re under no illusions, the players know exactly the task in hand and we will set up accordingly, and give 100 per cent.”
The Saints are the only remaining Welsh team left in European qualification after Bala Town, Bangor City and Connah’s Quay all crashed out at the first hurdle in the Europa League first qualifying round.
The Saints are again expected to be without full-back Chris Marriot and midfielder Chris Seargeant.
